Uganda Honored as “Best Exquisite Destination” at Major Indian Travel Expo
KAMPALA, Uganda – February 8, 2026 – Uganda’s vibrant tourism sector has garnered significant international acclaim, being named the recipient of the “Best Exquisite Destination Award” at the prestigious Outbound Travel Mart (OTM) 2026 in Mumbai, India.
The award was presented to Uganda’s High Commissioner to India, Ambassador Professor Joyce Kikafunda, who led the national delegation at the event held from February 5-7. The Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) contingent included Board Directors Dr. Margaret Arach Ojara and Vincent Operemo, alongside technical staff and representatives from key stakeholder institutions such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Uganda Wildlife Authority, Uganda Airlines, and the private sector.
OTM, recognized as South Asia’s largest travel trade exhibition, served as a global stage, attracting over 50,000 industry professionals and 2,200 exhibitors from more than 60 countries. Uganda’s pavilion effectively showcased the nation’s diverse offerings, from its rich cultural heritage and adventure activities to its world-renowned wildlife safaris.
“This award underscores Uganda’s distinctive offerings in authentic African tourism and supports the government’s broader objectives for sustainable economic development,” stated Ambassador Prof. Kikafunda, commending the team’s presentation.
The recognition aligns seamlessly with Uganda’s national development strategy. Vincent Operemo, UTB Board Director and Manager for Strategic Planning, noted that the accolade supports the goals of Vision 2040 and the government’s strategic intervention areas, which position tourism as a critical driver for foreign exchange earnings, job creation, and inclusive growth.
Juliana Kagwa, CEO of UTB, highlighted the tangible business outcomes from the exhibition. “Discussions with Indian tour operators, agents, and media have led to new collaborations aimed at promoting Uganda through joint initiatives,” she said, expressing optimism for significant growth in tourist arrivals from the expanding Asian market.
The award comes at a time of robust recovery and growth for Ugandan tourism. The sector contributes approximately 7.3% to the national GDP and supports over 1.5 million jobs. The 2024/2025 fiscal year saw a 15% increase in international arrivals, generating an estimated $1.2 billion in revenue—a rebound attributed to infrastructure improvements and dedicated conservation programs. Uganda is famously home to more than half of the world’s remaining endangered mountain gorillas.
This latest honor adds to a growing list of international accolades, including a recent “Best in Show – Africa” award at the Travel & Adventure Expo in New York in January 2026. These awards collectively underscore the success of Uganda’s proactive destination marketing strategy. The country aims to welcome 2.5 million annual visitors by 2030, with a focused effort on diversifying its international source markets.
The success at OTM 2026 is viewed as a pivotal step in elevating the global profile of Uganda, reaffirming its status as the “Pearl of Africa” and showcasing its unparalleled biodiversity and cultural heritage to the world.
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About Uganda Tourism Board:
The Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) is a statutory organization established in 1994. Its mandate is to promote and market Uganda as a premier tourist destination locally, regionally, and internationally. UTB also oversees quality assurance in tourist facilities and promotes investment in the tourism sector.
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